Golf swing training  apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an interchangeable weighted club system to help a golfer refine, and improve their golf swing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf swing training aid and in particular a golf swing training aid that allows a user to adjust the weight of the training aid during practice.

This application is based on Provisional Application 60/813,976.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weighted golf swing training aids are known and widely used by golfers to help improve their full-swing. The term “weighted-club” is commonly used in the golf industry since the clubs are considerably heavier than a traditional golf club and are not intended to hit golf balls. Such clubs generally take the same form and look as a traditional golf club so that the user can feel like they are using actual clubs. Such weighted golf clubs are generally designed to resemble a traditional golf club (5-iron, driver, sandwedge, etc.). A golfer would have to have a suite of the products in order to practice with different weights.

Though such weighted clubs have achieved popularity and commercial success among the golf community, there is always a continuing need for improvements in golf training aids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf swing training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a cavity defined therein operable to receive a weight, a cap operable to be releasably connected to the elongate body adjacent the cavity opening and a spring coupled to the elongate body within the cavity and operable to abut the weight when received within the cavity.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a golf swing training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve therein. The training apparatus also includes a first end cap operable to be releasably connected to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening; and a second end cap operable to releasably connect to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening. The second end cap includes a spring that is operable to be received inside the passageway when the second end cap is connected to the elongate body and at a position that is operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway.

In an alternative aspect the present invention provides a golf training kit comprising a training apparatus as described herein and a plurality of weight sleeves sized to be received within the passageway of the elongate body, each weight sleeve being of a different weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of the golf swing training apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the locking tab identified in circle A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the second end cap of the golf swing training apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the placement of the dowel or locking pin;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first end cap of the golf swing training apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the placement of the screw hole and the spring seat;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the weight sleeve to be used with the golf swing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the weight sleeve end-cap of the weight sleeve of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the golf training apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1 through 7 in which the golf swing training apparatus is indicated generally at numeral 10.

The golf swing training apparatus of the present invention provides an improved weighted golf swing training aid that allows a user, i.e. a golfer, to adjust the weight of the apparatus during practice.

Turning to FIG. 1, the golf training apparatus includes an elongate body 12 having first and second end caps 14, 16. Preferably the elongate body is cylindrical in shape however the elongate body may also be made of other elongate shapes provided it functions as described herein and is operable to be held and swung by a user. The elongate body 12 has a passageway 18 defined within it. In the embodiment illustrated the elongate body 12 is a cylindrical tube and is operable to receive a weight sleeve therein, described in further detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the first end cap 14 is threadingly engaged on one end of the elongate body 12. However, it will be understood that the first end cap 14 may be connected to the elongate body 12 by any means known to a person skilled in the art to provide a secure connection between the first end cap 14 and the elongate body 12.

In one embodiment of the apparatus, located at the opposite end of the elongate body 12 to the first end cap 14 is second end cap 16. Second end cap 16 includes at least one dowel 18 extending outwardly therefrom shown in FIG. 2. The second end cap 16 includes lower end cap portion 17 that is received inside the elongate body 12. The dowel 18 extends outwardly from the lower end cap portion 17. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the lower end cap portion 17 has a smaller diameter than the second end cap 16 and therefore is operable to slide inside the elongate body 12 while the upper portion of second end cap 16 fits around the end of the elongate body 12.

The at least one dowel 18 is operable to engage with a channel 20 located at the end of the elongate body 12. Channel 20 is substantially “J” shaped and extends from the upper end of the elongate body 12 along the length of the body and then extends in a perpendicular direction to form the lower part of the “J”, as illustrated clearly in FIG. 2. The dowel 18 is sized to be received within the channel 20 and is positioned on the second end cap 16 so that the dowel 18 is operable to reach the bottom of the channel 20 when the second end cap 16 is placed on the end of the elongate body 12. The second end cap 16 is then operable to turn about the periphery of the elongate body 12 to allow for engagement of the dowel 18 within the curved portion of the “J” of the channel 20 as indicated in FIG. 2. It will be understood that the channel does not have to form a “J” and that any other shape of channel may be used providing that the dowel is received within the channel and can be held within the channel to maintain the cap in a closed configuration when required. It will also be understood that FIG. 2 shows one dowel that extends outwardly from both sides of the lower end cap portion 17, however one dowel may only extend from one side or two or more dowels may be used.

It will be understood that the elongate body 12 may comprise more than one channel 20 and that the second end cap 16 may therefore also include more than one dowel 18. In this embodiment the dowels 18 are connected to the second end cap 16 at a position which allows them to be received within respective channels 20 on the elongate body. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate body 12 may include more than one channel 20 and the second end cap may include one dowel 18 that is sized to be received in any one of the channels 20.

The second end cap 16 may include an outer upper portion that is knurled to aid a user with gripping the upper portion of the second end cap 16. Alternatively, the second end cap 16 may have gripping tape placed around its periphery to aid a user with handling the apparatus. Other means for assisting a user in holding the apparatus may be used and will be known to a person skilled in the art.

The first end cap 14, seen clearly in FIG. 4, includes a lower portion that extends into the elongate body 12 and includes a spring-seat 22 operable to receive connected to spring 24. In one embodiment, the spring seat 22 is milled out of the end cap 14 to provide an opening for receiving spring 24. The spring 24 may be glued into the spring seat 22 or may be connected by other means that will be known by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the spring 24 may be attached directly to the end cap 14. The spring 24 is operable to be compressed by the weight sleeve when the weight sleeve is secured in the passageway 18 of the body 12. When the second end cap 16 is secured in place, the second end cap 16 pushes the weight sleeve towards the spring 24 which compresses under the force. Once the second end cap 16 is secured in place, i.e. the dowel 18 is locked into the end portion of the channel 20 the spring is held in the compressed state. When the second end cap 16 is released from the elongate body 12 the force pushing the weight sleeve to compress the spring 24 is released and the spring 24 forces the weight sleeve away from the spring seat 22 so that it extends out from the end of the elongate body 12. This assists a user with easy removal of the weight sleeve and replacement with an alternative weight sleeve.

Located in the elongate sleeve 12 at the end adjacent to the first end cap 14 is an aperture, not shown. The first end cap 14 also includes an aperture 26 located at a position that corresponds to the aperture 26 on the elongate sleeve 12 when the first end cap 14 is received thereon. The apertures are of equivalent size so that when aligned a screw can be placed through both apertures to securely fasten the first end cap 14 to the elongate sleeve 12. It will be understood that other means of connecting the first end cap 14 to the elongate sleeve 12 may be used and will be known by a person skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment the elongate body 12 and the end caps 14, 16 are made from Aluminum. The weight sleeves are made from brass and steel in order to withstand the rigors of practicing the golf swing and provide different weightings. The weight-sleeve is constructed with threaded ends and threaded UHMW PE end-caps that allow the weight-sleeves to slide in and out of the apparatus 10 with ease. The weight-sleeve is described in further detail below.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the second end cap 16 as described above. In one embodiment the second end cap 16 is milled from solid Aluminum having dimensions at the upper portion of length ¾ inch and diameter ¾ inch. The lower portion is located 1/16 inch inwardly from the outer periphery of the upper portion and has a diameter of ⅝ inch and a length of ¾ inch. The dowel is located approximately 2/8 inch away from the upper portion and extends through the lower portion, extending outwardly therefrom approximately 1/16 inch. The dowel is a ¾ inch by ⅛ inch peg. The top of the upper portion of the second end cap 16 is knurled. It will be understood that the dimensions provided above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be limiting in any way. The dimensions of the training apparatus will change according to the size and shape of the apparatus. The above dimensions are provided as examples only.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the first end cap 14 as described above. In one embodiment the first end cap 14 has the same dimensions as the second end cap 16. However, instead of the dowel located therein there is at least one aperture 26 located at the same position. This aperture allows for fastening of the first end cap 14 to the elongate body 12 as described above. The first end cap 14 also includes a portion at the lower end milled out so that the spring can be fastened to the cap, described in detail above.

FIG. 5 illustrates the variable diameter weight-sleeve 26. In one embodiment, the weight-sleeve 26 is made from Brass or Stainless steel and has weightings that are chosen based on Fibonacci ratios. This allows the apparatus to be used with variable weights that can be inter-changed. The end caps of the weight-sleeves 26, shown in FIG. 6, are made from UHMW PE round with threaded ends to screw on to the weight-sleeves. Having end caps on the weight-sleeves aids in the placement of the weight-sleeve into the elongate body 12 and its removal therefrom. The end caps help the weight-sleeve slide in and out of the apparatus. In addition, they help to maintain the weight sleeve within the elongate body and prevent the weight sleeve from moving inside the body 12 in particular during practice.

The weight sleeves are preferably all manufactured to be of the same length. In particular, the weight sleeves are made of a length that is sufficient to fit inside the elongate body 12 when the spring 24 is compressed and the second end cap 16 is secured to the elongate body 12. However, the weight-sleeve is also of a length that when the second end cap 16 is removed and the spring is no longer compressed the weight-sleeve extends outwardly from the end of the elongate body, for easy removal therefrom. It will be understood that many different weight sleeves of differing weights may be manufactured for use with the training apparatus 10.

It will be understood from the above description that the purpose of having a “J” shaped channel is for securing the second end cap 16 in place. When the dowel is received in the channel 20 and the second end cap 16 is turned to allow the dowel to move along the lower curved portion of the “J” the force of the spring against the weight sleeve pushes against the second end cap 16. This force will push the dowel 18 upwardly and hold it in the end of the “J”, maintaining the second end cap on the elongate body 12. It will therefore be understood that any shape of channel will be sufficient providing that the force of the weight sleeve against the second end cap 16 does not push the dowel out of the channel thereby removing the second end cap.

In use, a user removes the second end cap 16 and places a weight sleeve 26 of the desired weight into the elongate body 12. The user then secures the second end cap 16 back onto the elongate body 12 securing the weight inside. The user can then swing the training apparatus 10 at this weight to work on tempo, or whatever is required, and then can simply twist the second end cap 16 from the locked position, remove the weight-sleeve 26, add a lighter or heavier sleeve, lock the second end cap 16, and train a different aspect of their swing.

In an alternative embodiment of the golf training apparatus 10, shown in FIG. 7, the elongate body includes a cavity 28 containing a spring 24 within the cavity. The cavity extends inwardly from one end of the elongate body and is operable to receive a weight or weight sleeve within it. An end cap, as described above in the description of the second end cap, is provided to attach to the elongate body at the location of the cavity opening. The spring is positioned in the cavity at a location that will allow compression of the spring when the weight is placed within the cavity and the end cap is secured thereon and will push the weight out of the cavity opening when the end cap is removed. The placement of the weight within the cavity is similar to that of the placement of the weight within the passageway described above, i.e. the length of the weight is sufficient to extend beyond the cavity opening when the end cap is not secured on the elongate body and also of a length sufficient to be retained within the cavity when the end cap is secured on the body.

The training apparatus 10 may include designs and/or logos along its length if required. The training apparatus 10 may include a grip that is made of leather and slightly tapered.

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a golf training kit. The kit comprises the golf training apparatus described herein and a plurality of weight sleeves as described herein. The weight sleeves are sized to be received within the cavity and/or passageway of the training apparatus. It will be understood that the kit may include only one weight sleeve or alternatively may include several weight sleeves of varying weights.

In one embodiment the kit comprises a training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve. The apparatus having a first end cap operable to releasably connect to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening, the first end cap having a spring coupled thereto operable to be received inside the passageway when the first end cap is connected to the elongate body at a position operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway. The apparatus also includes a second end cap operable to be releasably connected to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening. The kit further includes a plurality of weight sleeves sized to be received within the passageway of the elongate body, each weight sleeve being of a different weight.

As seen and described herein the apparatus is not shaped to conform to the contours of a golf club allowing the user to focus on improving their swing and not on the actual club and type of swing they may usually use with such a club. The apparatus may include any colour scheme or design along its length. However, preferably the apparatus includes a black and white coloring scheme to allow the golfer to focus on training the correct path on the backswing and follow through.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments. 

1. A golf swing training apparatus comprising: an elongate body having a cavity defined therein operable to receive a weight; a cap operable to be releasably connected to the elongate body adjacent the cavity opening; and a spring coupled to the elongate body within the cavity and operable to abut the weight when received therein.
 2. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavity extends inwardly from at least one end of the elongate body and the cap is an end cap operable to be received on the end of the elongate body containing the cavity opening.
 3. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cap is operable to releasably connect to the elongate body at a position that moves the weight, when located within the cavity, towards the spring causing the spring to compress when the cap is secured on the body.
 4. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate body comprises a channel extending along the peripheral edge of the body and inwardly from the at least one end comprising the cavity opening.
 5. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lower portion of the channel is substantially U shaped.
 6. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the end cap comprises at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and sized to be received within the channel on the elongate body.
 7. A golf swing training apparatus comprising: an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve therein; a first end cap operable to releasably connect to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening, the first end cap having a spring coupled thereto, the spring being operable to be received inside the passageway when the first end cap is connected to the elongate body and at a position operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway; and a second end cap operable to be releasably connected to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening.
 8. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second end cap is operable to releasably connect to the elongate body at a position that moves the weight, when located within the passageway, towards the spring causing the spring to compress.
 9. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the outer surface of the elongate body comprises at least one channel extending from the end to which the second end cap is connected.
 10. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second end cap comprises at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom sized to be received within the at least one channel.
 11. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one channel is substantially J-shaped.
 12. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the lower portion of the at least one channel is substantially unshaped.
 13. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one channel includes a portion that is operable to retain the at least one projection therein to secure the second end cap to the elongate body.
 14. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the outer surface of the elongate body comprises an aperture adjacent the second end.
 15. The golf swing training apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first end cap comprises an aperture located at a position to correspond to the position of the aperture located adjacent the first end of the elongate body when the first end cap is received thereon, the aperture being sized to correspond to the aperture on the elongate body.
 16. A golf training kit comprising: a training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve; a first end cap operable to releasably connect to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening, the first end cap having a spring coupled thereto operable to be received inside the passageway when the first end cap is connected to the elongate body at a position operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway; and a second end cap operable to be releasably connected to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening; and a plurality of weight sleeves sized to be received within the passageway of the elongate body, each weight sleeve being of a different weight.
 17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the weight sleeves are of a length that when placed within the passageway extends beyond the second end of the elongate body when the second end cap is not secured thereon and fits within the passageway when the second end cap is secured thereon and the spring is compressed.
 18. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the weight sleeves comprise first and second weight sleeve end caps for assisting with the positioning of the weight sleeve within the elongate body.
 19. A weight sleeve for use with the golf training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the weight sleeve is sized to be received within the elongate body of the apparatus and of a length sufficient to be fully received within the body when the spring is compressed and of a length that extends beyond the first end of the elongate body when the spring is released. 